Sample requirements

Investigation	Preferred Samples (Based on standard evacuated tube size)
Alloantibody investigation	2 x 6 ml EDTA
ABO / Rh grouping problem	6 ml EDTA
Extended RBC phenotype	6 ml EDTA
Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia / positive DAT	2 x 6 ml EDTA
Transfusion reaction investigation	6 ml EDTA pretransfusion sample 6 ml EDTA post transfusion sample Giving set / remnants of transfused unit(s)
Compatibility testing	6 ml EDTA
Haemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN)	4 ml or 6 ml EDTA cord blood sample
Paternal phenotyping	6 ml EDTA
All other investigations contact the Reference Laboratory

Samples should be collected and labelled in accordance with the ANZSBT ‘Guidelines For Pretransfusion Testing’ particularly if blood is likely to be required for transfusion.
Labeling of samples should correspond to the details provided on the request form.
The following information should be included with samples:
- Full address for correspondence
- Indication of urgency
- Copies of worksheets with results of tests already performed
Samples should be shipped at ambient temperature to arrive at Reference Laboratory within 24 hours of collection.
Urgent samples may be sent by courier ensuring door-to-door delivery.
Samples must be safely packaged in accordance with national and international postal and/or IATA regulations.